Of Rex and Reason

The Left in Missouri is so exercised about Rex Sinquefield that they have lost all ability to reason. The latest example appears in the blog St. Louis Activist Hub, posted, we presume, from a safehouse in Canada. The piece begins by complaining about the Missouri Democratic Party:

Don't get me wrong; Missouri Democrats did win important contests. They prevented Rex Sinquefield from buying the Secretary of State's office. They put themselves in good position for the next gubernatorial contest. They soundly thumped Ed Martin. And thank the holy heavens Claire McCaskill beat Todd Akin!

Sinquefield gave Schoeller's campaign $400,000. That amounts to "buying" the office. But Sinquefield also gave Democratic Attorney General candidate Chris Koster $335,000 to put Democrats "in good position for the next gubernatorial contest." That, apparently, is acceptable—even laudable.

Randy Georges Sr. moved to the U.S. to obtain a good education; now, he may have to move across town so his kids can have the same opportunity. This is a sad state, especially when alternatives, such as giving families private school options, exist.

Should Missouri and other states accept an offer of “free money” from Uncle Sam to expand the Medicaid program in their states? Instead of acting as enablers of fiscal profligacy, Missouri and other states should say “no.”

Proposition B might have brought some much-needed funding for education, but voters turned down the measure. The “no” vote may actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise if legislators act on the need to address school funding issues.

The state board of education voted to grant provisional accreditation to the Saint Louis Public School District, which is the correct decision, but this distinction will mean very little to schools or students.

Strong teachers’ unions in large public school districts with multiple failing schools will do everything possible to maintain their jobs and benefits. If it is to happen, major reform must come from outside the existing system — through increased competition and choice.